The day you were born is special. Here’s why

“The day you were born is the day G-d decided the world could not exist without you!”

I love this empowering quote, but so far I haven’t been able to identify its original author.

I’ve seen people attribute this quote to the Talmud, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, or even the Rebbe, but I couldn’t find an exact source for it. My guess is that it was inspired by Jewish teachings, especially the Rebbe’s birthday campaign.

What does your birthday mean to you?

In 1988, the Rebbe launched the birthday campaign to encourage people of all ages to celebrate their birthdays in a meaningful way. He believed birthdays are not just for kids. They’re a time to reflect on your life, your mission, and your connection to G-d.

To share this message, Chabad published a full-page ad in the New York Times with the headline “Birthdays matter”:

“They matter because they mark the day you began your life.

“And that makes birthdays the perfect day for reflecting along with celebrating. Reflecting on your growth and thinking about good deeds and acts to perform, about relationships with friends and family, and about the important role G-d is playing in your life.

“Your birthday is your day to get together and celebrate with the people you love.

“At the party, say a prayer of thanks aloud. Give money to charity. Help someone in need. Celebrate your Jewish identity.

“The Talmud says your birthday is a day when good fortune is on your side. Use the good fortune to bless others and make your birthday matter.”

The Rebbe had a fascinating perspective on birthdays. In one of his talks, he raised an interesting question: Why do we celebrate birthdays at all?

While in our mother’s womb, we seem to have a much better life: no need to worry about food or shelter, as the mother provides it all effortlessly.

Compare that to the moment after birth, when, as the Rebbe noted humorously, “most babies are not born with a smile on their face!”

From a spiritual standpoint, birth also appears to be a decline. The Talmud describes how a baby in the womb has a “candle on their head … and learn the entire Torah, and after birth the angel causes the baby to forget it.”

If the moment of birth means leaving behind physical comfort and spiritual closeness, why is our birthday a reason to celebrate?

The Rebbe explained that a birthday is the beginning of our existence as individuals. Until then, we are simply part of our mother. From that moment on, however, crying and all, we begin to influence the world and fulfill our unique purpose. That is something worth celebrating.

Your birthday is the day G-d declared the world needs you. Not as part of someone else, but as a unique person with your personal mission.

If you don’t yet know your Hebrew birthday, I encourage you to visit Chabad.org/birthday to find it. Mark it on your calendar and make a big deal out of it.

And whenever it is, let me be the first to wish you a happy birthday. May you enjoy a long, happy, healthy, purposeful, and fulfilling life.

Mendy Kaminker is the rabbi of Chabad of Hackensack and an editorial member of Chabad.org. He welcomes your comments at rabbi@ChabadHackensack.com